A nurse’s salary in Canada ranges from around $45,000 at entry level to $105,000 per annum in 2023; mid-range salaries are around $72,000 annually. This range covers registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), but an RN’s salary will typically be around 40% higher than a LPN’s.
What Is The Difference Between An RN And An LPN?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) assist patients with straightforward care in non-critical situations. They may work in hospitals, clinics or schools. They will typically work under the supervision of a doctor or a registered nurse (RN).
Registered nurses (RNs) are educated to a much higher level and will hold at least a nursing degree. In addition, an RN is trained to deal with more complex and non-routine situations.
A registered nurse’s salary in Canada will be higher than an LPN salary in Canada.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Canada By Province?
A registered nurse’s salary in Canada ranges from around $57,000 annually at entry-level to approximately $105,000 in 2023. Mid-range LPN salaries are in the region of $84,000 per annum.
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Registered Nurse's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 31301) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 27.03 | 40.00 | 49.00 |
| Alberta | 33.30 | 45.00 | 50.59 |
| British Columbia | 31.00 | 42.00 | 48.00 |
| Manitoba | 32.00 | 42.00 | 48.00 |
| New Brunswick | 32.00 | 39.57 | 45.00 |
| Newfoundland | 30.00 | 40.83 | 45.18 |
| Northwest Territories | 39.00 | 50.12 | 60.00 |
| Nova Scotia | 27.00 | 39.00 | 44.50 |
| Nunavut | 32.00 | 54.50 | 60.00 |
| Ontario | 26.00 | 38.92 | 48.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | 26.69 | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Quebec | 24.25 | 37.00 | 45.44 |
| Saskatchewan | 35.00 | 45.00 | 49.30 |
| Yukon Territory | 40.00 | 49.00 | 52.00 |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Registered Nurse’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-rage registered nurse’s salary in Canada is found in Nunavut, closely followed by the Northwest Territories. Here RNs’ salaries are around 35% higher than the national average.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest registered nurse’s salary in Canada is in Quebec, where mid-range RN salaries are 7-8% lower than in the rest of the country. However, the cost of living in Quebec is lower than in many regions of Canada, so this offsets the salaries.
Are Registered Nurses In Demand In Canada?
Prospects for registered nurses in Canada are excellent. Nationally, there is a shortage, which is expected to continue for many years.
The shortages are set to continue due to factors such as:
- Increased need for health care services to support an aging population
- Greater demand on the healthcare system due to backlogs created by the COVID-19 pandemic
In addition, government projections (carried out by ESDC) forecast the number of new nursing openings compared to job seekers from 2022 to 2031. They predicted a shortfall of over 11,000 applicants in the registered/psychiatric nursing category alone.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
An RN’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a registered nurse’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Registered Nurse In Canada?
The current NOC code for registered nurses, also known as RNs, in Canada, is 31301 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3012). This code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Clinical nurse
- Community health nurse
- Critical care nurse
- Emergency care nurse
- Intensive care nurse
- Nurse researcher
- Nursing consultant
- Occupational health nurse
- Private duty nurse
- Public health nurse
- Registered psychiatric nurse (R.P.N.)
Also, note that this NOC does not cover licensed practical nurses. The NOC code for this occupation is 32101.
Can Immigrant Registered Nurses Work In Canada?
The current shortage of nurses in Canada means that opportunities for Internationally Educated Nurses, including RNs, are excellent. However, this is a regulated profession, and all foreign nurses must become licensed by the province where they intend to work.
The licensing process is generally straightforward but will take some time. The first step for any International Educated Nurse is to apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service. The NNAS will assess a nurse’s qualifications compared to Canadian standards and provide an advisory report.
If the NNAS reports confirm that a nurse meets the requirements, a provincial license can then be applied for. Note that licensing requirements are different for each province.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Ontario?
A registered nurse’s salary in Ontario Ranges from around $55,000 to $101,000 per annum, with mid-range salaries of about $82,000. However, wages can be significantly impacted by overtime pay, bonuses and other incentives.
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What Is The Registered Nurses’ Pay Scale In Ontario?
Many RNs’ salaries in Ontario are based on pay grids negotiated by the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) and other nursing unions. The ONA negotiates agreements with the provincial government and various other healthcare providers on behalf of their members.
For example, the ONA recently renegotiated registered nurses’ salaries in Ontario from 2022 to 2023 to gain an additional 2% retrospective pay.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
A starting salary for a Registered Nurse in Ontario is around $55,000 per annum, which is very close to national averages. However, entry-level RN salaries in Ontario will vary according to the employer and factors such as recruitment bonuses.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range registered nurse’s salary in Toronto is about $76,000 per annum, which is around 7% lower than provincial averages.
Also, you should be aware that Toronto’s living cost is high, and the city has some of the highest property prices in Canada (and the world). This means that RNs may enjoy a higher standard of living outside of this city.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Ottawa?
Nurses are generally well paid in Ottawa, with mid-range salaries of around $92,000, more than 12% higher than provincial averages and more than 20% higher than in Toronto.
The cost of living in Ottawa can be high compared to some areas of Ontario. However, real estate prices are significantly lower than in Toronto, meaning that RNs will enjoy a higher standard of living in Ottawa than in Toronto.
Are Registered Nurses In Demand In Ontario?
Ontario suffers from a shortage of registered nurses and has a continuous ongoing demand for healthcare workers across many disciplines. This is due to several factors, including a growing and aging population, investment in new facilities and funding for new healthcare initiatives.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Quebec?
A registered nurse’s salary in Quebec ranges from $50,925 to $95,424 annually. The mid-range salary is approximately $77,700, somewhat lower than Canada’s national average of $84,000.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Starting Salary In Quebec?
A registered nurse’s starting salary in Quebec is around $50,925 annually. This is lower than the starting salary for registered nurses in Canada, which is $56,763.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Montreal?
A mid-range registered nurse’s salary in Montreal is $71,400, around 8% below provincial averages.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Montreal, especially regarding property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half what you’d find in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, allowing for a higher standard of living.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Quebec City?
A mid-range registered nurse’s salary in Quebec City is around $73,500, slightly lower than provincial averages.
Like Montreal, the cost of living in Quebec City, particularly in terms of property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half those in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, suggesting that you’re likely to enjoy a higher standard of living in Quebec City.
Are Registered Nurses In Demand In Quebec?
Yes, registered nurses are very much in demand in Quebec. A growing aging population is driving up demand for healthcare services, leading to shortages compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The province is also increasing healthcare budgets and investing in new senior homes.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Alberta?
Outside of the territories, registered nurses in Alberta are some of the highest-paid in the country. A mid-range registered nurse’s salary in Alberta is about $95,000 per annum, which is 25% higher than national averages.
What Is The Registered Nurses’ Pay Scale In Alberta?
Alberta RNs’ salaries are based on pay grids determined through collective bargaining between nursing unions and employers. The primary nursing union in Alberta is the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), which negotiates with Alberta Health Services and other healthcare organizations to establish wages, benefits and working conditions.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
A starting salary for a registered nurse in Alberta is around $70,000 per annum, which is almost 20% higher than national averages. However, entry-level salaries do vary according to employer and level of qualification.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range registered nurse’s salary in Calgary is around $95,000 per annum, which is in line with the provincial norms, but significantly more than in many Canadian cities.
In addition, the cost of living in Calgary is low for a major city, meaning that nurses in Calgary can enjoy a higher standard of living than those in cities such as Vancouver and Toronto.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Edmonton?
Registered nurses’ salaries in Edmonton are typical of the province at around $95,000 annually for mid-range pay. These salaries, when combined with the low living costs in Edmonton, contribute to a good standard of living for nurses.
Are Registered Nurses In Demand In Alberta?
Like many other regions in Canada, Alberta faces a nursing shortage, leading to high demand for RNs. Several factors have contributed to the shortage, including an aging population and investment in and expanding healthcare services. The COVID pandemic has also contributed to the current situation as healthcare workers struggle with backlogs.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In BC?
A registered nurse’s salary in BC ranges from around $65,000 to $101,000 per annum. Mid-range salaries are about $88,000 annually, around 5% more than national averages.
What Is The Registered Nurses’ Pay Scale in BC?
Most registered nurses’ salaries in BC are based on collective agreements negotiated by the British Columbia Nurses’ Union (BCNU), the main nursing union in the province. The BCNU negotiates with health authorities, hospitals and other healthcare providers to determine salary grids and working benefits for nurses.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Starting Salary In BC?
A mid-range starting salary of a registered nurse in BC is about $65,000 per annum. However, several factors can affect this, such as recruitment bonuses or extra pay for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range salary of a registered nurse in Vancouver is around $90,000, which is marginally higher than the provincial average and around 7% higher than national averages.
However, this isn’t enough to offset Vancouver’s high cost of living. Property and rental costs in Vancouver are exceptionally high, and downtown Vancouver has some of the most expensive real estate in the world.
What Is A Registered Nurse’s Salary In Victoria?
A mid-range registered nurse’s salary in Victoria is around $87,000 annually. This is slightly lower than average nurse salaries for Vancouver.
However, the cost of real estate in Victoria is significantly lower than in Vancouver, so a registered nurse in Victoria is likely to enjoy a better standard of living.
Are Registered Nurses In Demand In BC?
Registered nurses are very much in demand in BC. A growing and aging population is driving up demand for healthcare services, leading to shortages compounded by the COVID pandemic. The current situation is expected to continue for several years, and the province has an active recruitment program.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Canada By Province?
A licensed practical nurse’s salary in Canada ranges from around $47,000 annually at entry level to approximately $71,000 in 2023. Mid-range LPN salaries are in the region of $60,000 per annum.
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Licensed Practical Nurse's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 32101) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 22.59 | 28.70 | 33.90 |
| Alberta | 24.00 | 29.35 | 35.00 |
| British Columbia | 25.00 | 30.62 | 33.00 |
| Manitoba | 26.30 | 30.15 | 34.00 |
| New Brunswick | 21.50 | 25.00 | 26.67 |
| Newfoundland | 24.50 | 27.95 | 30.00 |
| Northwest Territories | 29.11 | 42.60 | 48.25 |
| Nova Scotia | 23.60 | 27.00 | 30.42 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 22.60 | 29.72 | 32.40 |
| Prince Edward Island | 22.00 | 26.69 | 29.69 |
| Quebec | 21.97 | 26.00 | 30.46 |
| Saskatchewan | 31.10 | 36.25 | 38.00 |
| Yukon Territory | 24.16 | 31.73 | 37.63 |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range licensed practical nurse’s salary in Canada is in the Northwest Territories, where salaries are almost 50% above the national average. LPN salaries are also high in Saskatoon, around 27% more than Canada’s average.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest licensed practical nurse’s salary in Canada is found in New Brunswick, where LPN salaries are 13% below the national average. However, the cost of living here is lower than in many regions of Canada, so this helps to offset salaries.
Are Licensed Practical Nurses In Demand In Canada?
Prospects for LPNs are excellent throughout Canada, and this situation is expected to continue for many years. For example, government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for licensed practical nurses as 27,800, compared to 26,300 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
A licensed practical nurse’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a LPN’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is The NOC Code For A Licensed Practical Nurse In Canada?
The current NOC code for LPNs in Canada is 32101 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3233). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Graduate nursing assistant
- Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
- Operating room technician
- Registered nursing assistant (RNA)
Also, note that this NOC does not cover registered nurses. The NOC code for this occupation is 31301.
Can Immigrant Licensed Practical Nurses Work In Canada?
The current shortage of nurses in Canada means that opportunities for Internationally Educated Nurses, including LPNs, are excellent. However, all provinces require foreign nurses to become licensed by the province. Additionally, nurses in specialist areas may be required to obtain additional Canadian qualifications.
The licensing process is straightforward but will take some time. The first step for any International Educated Nurse is to apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service. The NNAS will assess a nurse’s qualifications and provide an advisory report.
If the NNAS reports confirm that a nurse meets the requirements, they can apply for a provincial license. However, note that licensing requirements are different for each province.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Ontario?
A licensed practical nurse’s salary in Ontario Ranges from around $47,000 to $68,000 per annum, with mid-range salaries of about $62,000. However, salaries can be significantly impacted by overtime, bonuses, and other incentives.
What Is The Licensed Practical Nurses’ Pay Scale In Ontario?
Many licensed practical nurses’ salaries in Ontario are based on pay grids negotiated by nursing unions. The Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) is the largest in Ontario and negotiates agreements with the provincial government and other healthcare providers.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
A starting salary for a licensed practical nurse in Ontario is around $47,000 per annum, which is in line with national averages. However, entry-level LPN salaries in Ontario will vary according to several factors, such as the level of qualification and the employer (some of which offer recruitment bonuses).
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range licensed practical nurse’s salary in Toronto is about $61,000 per annum, close to provincial and national averages.
However, Toronto’s living cost is high, and downtown Toronto has some of the highest property prices in Canada. This means that LPNs may enjoy a higher standard of living outside of the city.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Ottawa?
Licensed nurses in Ottawa are paid slightly less than the provincial average, with mid-range salaries of around $59,000. Also, note that the cost of living in Ottawa can be high compared to some areas of the province.
However, on the plus side, real estate prices are significantly lower than in Toronto, which means that LPNs will enjoy a higher standard of living in Ottawa.
Are Licensed Practical Nurses In Demand In Ontario?
Ontario is suffering from a shortage of nurses, including LPNs and has a continuous ongoing demand for new workers. These shortages are suffered across the healthcare industry, catering to a growing aging population.
Other factors affecting demand are increased investment in new facilities and healthcare initiatives and an ongoing backlog resulting from COVID-19.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Quebec?
A licensed practical nurse’s salary in Quebec ranges from $46,137 to $63,966 annually. The mid-range salary in Quebec is $54,600, slightly lower than the Canadian mid-range salary of $60,270.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Starting Salary In Quebec?
A licensed practical nurse’s starting salary in Quebec is $46,137 per annum. This is slightly lower than the national average of $47,439.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Montreal?
A mid-range licensed practical nurse’s salary in Montreal is $54,600, which aligns with the mid-range salary for the province of Quebec.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Montreal, especially regarding property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half what you’d find in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, allowing for a higher standard of living.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Quebec City?
A mid-range licensed practical nurse’s salary in Quebec City is $58,800, which is around 8% higher than the Quebec average.
Like Montreal, the cost of living in Quebec City, particularly in terms of property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half those in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, suggesting that you’re likely to enjoy a higher standard of living in Quebec City.
Are Licensed Practical Nurses In Demand In Quebec?
Yes, licensed practical nurses are in demand in Quebec. Like most regions of Canada, Quebec is facing nursing shortages, including for licensed practical nurses. Quebec is also investing in home-care teams to reduce the burden on other healthcare workers.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Alberta?
A licensed practical nurse’s salary in Alberta ranges from around $50,000 to 74,000 annually, with mid-range salaries of about $61,000 per annum. However, wages are affected by several factors, including the type of employer (specialized clinics are likely to pay more), level of training, and overtime hours.
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What Is The Licensed Practical Nurse’s Pay Scale In Alberta?
Alberta licensed practical nurses’ salaries are based on pay grids determined through collective bargaining by nursing unions. The primary nursing union in Alberta is the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), which negotiates with Alberta Health Services and other healthcare organizations.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
A starting salary for a licensed practical nurse in Alberta is around $50,000 per annum, which is about 6% higher than national averages. However, entry-level salaries are impacted by the level of education and incentives such as recruitment bonuses.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range licensed practical nurse’s salary in Calgary is around $63,000 per annum, a little higher than provincial and national averages.
Also, the cost of living in Calgary is low compared to other major Canadian cities. This means that LPNs in Calgary can enjoy a better standard of living than, for example, Vancouver and Toronto.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Edmonton?
Licensed practical nurses’ salaries in Edmonton are typical of the province at around $62,000 annually for mid-range pay. However, living costs are very low in Edmonton (especially property costs), which means a good standard of living for LPNs.
Are Licensed Practical Nurses In Demand In Alberta?
Alberta, like most regions of Canada, is facing nursing shortages, including for licensed practical nurses. Several factors have contributed to the shortage, including a growing and aging population and backlogs in services resulting from the COVID pandemic.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In BC?
A licensed practical nurse’s salary in BC ranges from around $53,000 to $69,000 per annum. Mid-range salaries are about $64,000 annually, around 5% more than national averages.
What Is The Licensed Practical Nurses’ Pay Scale in BC?
Most licensed practical nurses’ salaries in BC are based on collective agreements negotiated by the British Columbia Nurses’ Union (BCNU). The BCNU negotiates with health authorities, hospitals and other healthcare providers to determine nurses’ salary grids and working conditions.
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What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Starting Salary In BC?
A mid-range starting salary of a licensed practical nurse in BC is about $53,000 per annum, higher than provincial and national averages. Factors that can affect entry-level wages are the level of education and incentives such as recruitment bonuses.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range salary of a licensed practical nurse in Vancouver is around $68,000, which is around 12% higher than the provincial average.
This partially offsets the high cost of living in Vancouver, where property and rental costs are some of the highest in the world.
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse’s Salary In Victoria?
A mid-range LPN’s salary in Victoria is around $66,000 per annum. This is slightly lower than for Vancouver, but the cost of real estate in Victoria is significantly lower, so an LPN here is likely to enjoy a better standard of living.
Are Licensed Practical Nurses In Demand In BC?
Licensed practical nurses are very much in demand in BC. A growing, aging population is driving up demand for healthcare services, leading to shortages in nursing and other healthcare staff. The current situation has been compounded by backlogs due to COVID.
Where To Find More Information About Nursing Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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